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LAWra | Family Law

You're Not Alone: Free and Low-Cost Help for Self-Represented Ontarians

If you're representing yourself in a family law matter, it can feel like you're the only one without a guide. You're not. More than half of the people in Ontario family court don't have a lawyer — and the province has built a real network of free and low-cost resources to help. The challenge is that they aren't always easy to find in one place. Here's a starting map, with links straight to the sources.

Start at a Family Law Information Centre (FLIC)


FLICs are located at family courthouses across Ontario and are free to use. Staff and an Information & Referral Coordinator can explain the court process and forms, and an Advice Lawyer from Legal Aid Ontario provides general legal information — often regardless of income — with case-specific advice available to those who qualify financially.


Legal Aid Ontario — and its income threshold


Legal Aid Ontario (LAO) can provide a certificate for full representation, or duty counsel and advice services, for those who qualify. Eligibility is income-tested: as of 2025, the income threshold to qualify for family and criminal duty counsel rose to $45,440 for households of up to four people, with an asset limit for duty counsel of $15,000. If your income is above the line, you may not qualify — but that doesn't mean you're out of options.

LAO financial eligibility guidelines — check if you qualify, or call 1-800-668-8258

Above the Legal Aid threshold? Several trusted services are still free or low-cost.


Free and low-cost help beyond Legal Aid


Knowing these exist is half the battle. Used together — a FLIC visit, a plain-language read on Steps to Justice, a referral consult — they can take you a long way before you ever decide whether to retain anyone.


Where LAWra Family Law fits in


Our fixed-fee consultation is designed to give you clarity on your options and next steps, so you always know what to expect and can plan accordingly. Book a consultation when you're ready.


Prefer to talk it through first? Call us at 1-866-LAWRA-FL (1-866-529-7235) to speak with a member of our team about our services. We're here.

This article provides general legal information about family law in Ontario and is not legal advice. Links to third-party and government resources are provided for convenience; LAWra Family Law does not control and is not responsible for their content. Every situation is unique — for guidance tailored to your circumstances, speak with a licensed lawyer. LAWra Family Law provides limited-scope, out-of-court services and does not replace full representation where it is needed.

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